Pinnacle Midlands Health Network has been acknowledged with the highest rating in a Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand cultural audit for its “alignment with Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and commitment to improving Māori health outcomes”.

It was October 1984 when Judy Cowie first started work at Fairfield Medical Centre in Hamilton. She and then fiancé Grant Cowie were not long back in in the country after three years’ living and working in Australia and the United Kingdom.

As a primary health organisation, we see firsthand the challenges faced by our communities, particularly those most vulnerable. Te Tiriti o Waitangi has long served as a foundation for addressing inequities in Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly in healthcare.

Fortnightly clinics at two Raglan marae have enabled Raglan Medical to engage with some of the most vulnerable members of its Waikato west coast community.

Bronwyn Dennis, kaimanaaki Waikato, joined Pinnacle in March 2024. This role is designed to be a navigator of manaakitanga, building trusting relationships with iwi, mana whenua and whānau and is modelled on aroha, values and respect.

When Rongomaiwahine Iwi Trust and Pinnacle signed a formal agreement in February to promote the iwi’s hauora ora aspirations in the community it felt historic.

The success of a marae-based health clinic at Mangatoatoa Pā, just inside the King Country boundary near the banks of the Pūniu River, shows the power of collaboration.

Lana Reed makes dreams come true. Part of the Pinnacle Tairāwhiti care coordinator’s job is to equip individuals with the tools they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Taupō Medical Centre’s Jean Chegwidden followed the leader when she decided to become a nurse.

Mention the word retirement to Sally Davies and she quickly responds by saying she is still working a day a week but come December that will be it.